Health benefits of lavender

Published Apr 2005 by Joan Toth Written by Joan A. Toth, Chartered Herbalist President, Nahanni River HerbsCopyright © 2004 - 2010

What are the health benefits of lavender?

Natural Health Article

CONTENTS

• ABCs of Health - "A" is for Activation
• Tip of the month - Need more juice for lemonade?
• Weight Loss Means a Lifestyle Change
• The Herbalist - "L" is for Lavender
  

Many trends today indicate that industrialized countries have two things in common. One, is that the population is getting older, and two, that there is a greater sense of awareness for personal health. As people become more aware of the need to look after their health, they turn to products and services that actually work!

Nahanni River Herbs is a dynamic and spirited company. We are excited to present to you, those quality products and services that will assist in achieving your optimal health goals. 

 ABCs OF HEALTH

"A" is for "Activation", which is the spark of your nutrition program. Activation involves the use of catalysts to stimulate or initiate reactions in the body. Many things can do this. Enzymes initiate reactions by uniting two chemicals that are meant to react with one another. Most chemical reactions in the body cannot take place without enzymes. Among the most vital enzymes are those used to digest and assimilate our foods. Homeopathic remedies also initiate reactions in the body by stimulating the body to produce symptoms of a specific condition as a means of getting rid of it. Bitter herbs and aromatic herbs, including essential oils, stimulate reactions in the body such as muscle contractions or relaxation and enhanced circulation. 

TIP OF THE MONTH

When making lemonade, put the lemons through a meat grinder.
You will get more juice and it will have a richer flavor.

WEIGHT LOSS MEANS A LIFESTYLE CHANGE

One in every three North Americans is fighting the weight loss battle. Losing weight and eating more healthfully requires a commitment to permanent lifestyle changes. Your attitude about weight loss can be the difference between success and failure.

The American Dietetics Association recommends that you ask yourself the following questions before starting a weight loss program.

• Have I thought about my eating and exercise routine and know what I need to change?
• Am I ready to make permanent changes in these habits to be successful?
• Am I comfortable losing weight slowly?
• Am I willing to commit time to organizing eating and exercising?
• I choose to lose weight because I really want to, not to please someone else?

If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, you have the right attitude about making lifestyle changes. You know changes need to last to keep the weight off.

Only you can determine the success of your weight loss program.
Begin today by making the right choices. Before beginning any diet or fitness program you should consult you physician.

LOSE WEIGHT BECAUSE YOU REALLY WANT TO,
NOT TO PLEASE SOMEONE ELSE.

There are many steps you can take to battle the bulge. Before you get started in a weight loss program, consider the following five tips. They should help you reach your goal of obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight.

1. Safe weight loss: Experts say the best way to lose weight (and keep it off) is to shed pounds gradually.

2. Never skip a meal: Your first meal after waking starts your metabolism. When you skip meals during the day, your metabolism slows down. The goal is to keep your metabolism burning by eating enough of the right foods to stay full.

3. Limit your alcohol intake: Alcoholic beverages have many calories and little-to-no nutritional value.

4. Choose a healthy eating plan that includes a variety of choices: All foods can fit into a nutritious, reduced-calorie, eating plan, rich in foods with complex carbohydrates and fiber, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and low in fat.

5. Physical Activity: Exercise is probably the most important predictor of whether you will succeed at long term weight loss and maintenance.

Lavender may benefit your health

THE HERBALIST

I promised I would give you some information on a specific herb, its origin and its uses. I really enjoy this part of our newsletter, as I always learn something new and exciting. This month we will discuss:

Lavender

Latin Name: Lavandula angustifolia or lavandula officinalis,

Other Common Name: English Lavender

General Description: Lavender is a species of mint native to the Mediterranean region. It is grown there on a large scale, especially in the province of Provence in France. Lavender is a low growing shrub with multiple stems topped with spikes of purple flowers. The flowers are used in herbal medicine and the manufacturing of perfumes.

Excellent for: Its aroma helps to stimulate mental processes and alleviate depression. 

Benefits of lavender for specific health condition include some of the following:

General tonic and tea: Lavender has been used for centuries as a general tonic, sedative, antispasmodic, diuretic, digestive aid, and gas remedy. Lavender tea and essential oil are prescribed to treat common minor ailments such as insomnia, nervousness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and gas. Lavender oil may be used as is, or used in aromatherapy, baths, compresses, or teas. 
 Antiseptic: Antiseptic qualities that may eliminate several types of disease-causing bacteria. It is used to treat skin ailments such as fungus, burns, wounds, eczema, and acne.
NOTE: Try it out to make sure it has a calming effect as Spanish Lavender has a stimulant effect.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Never take lavender oil internally. Should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers. Persons with gallstones or obstructions of the biliary tract should avoid lavender, because it can stimulate secretion of the bile that cannot be released through the bile duct.

This wraps up our first on-line edition of Natural Health. REMEMBER YOU HAVE TO READ TO WIN!

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